Plugging the dip stick hole
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
Plugging the dip stick hole
Got a dipstick hole in the block but my application locates it in the oil pan. I am thinking to tap some threads in the hole and plug it with a set screw with RTV on the threads...
Any better ideas?
Any better ideas?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,018
Likes: 210
From: SoCal
Some things are safe to buy from Harbor Freight, but never buy anything that requires precision, like taps and dies. Not only are they soft, but the threads are "off"; they're not exaclty what the standard sizes should be, so for example, if you tapped a hole for a bolt, the bolt will be loose in there.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
Yeah it barely cut any threads... The tap basically stripped. It worked for aluminum and for cleaning threads but not for cutting into cast iron.
The irwin tap I used worked perfectly.
The irwin tap I used worked perfectly.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
Yeah it barely cut any threads... The tap basically stripped. It worked for aluminum and for cleaning threads but not for cutting into cast iron.
The irwin tap I used worked perfectly.
The irwin tap I used worked perfectly.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,066
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From: Rogue River, Oregon
I second the fact that some stuff you buy at HF (one of my favorite stores!) is best left there on the shelf. Having said that, one time our company's purchasing agent got a "good deal" on some nuts and bolts (we go through thousands per year) and was going to save the company big money. Instead it actually cost us money because the nuts and bolts usually wouldn't even thread on to each other of the same size and pitch! Also, whenever you are buying taps and dies or even drills, make very, very sure it says HSS on it. That stands for high speed steel and any tap that doesn't have that on there is carbon steel, which is what files are made from. Nearly all the cheap tap sets and drill bits are carbon steel and not even worth the low price they get for them.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
In a way that store is a perfect example of the Chinese off-loading their garbage on us. I bought the taps cause they were cheap and for a specific which required tapping some holes in cast aluminum; they served their purpose quite well in the respect but failed miserably when I ran it through the cast iron. A self tapping screw would have done better.
I also had a lightly used Craftsman hand grinder burn up on me prematurely and being disgruntled I figured why waste money in it so I went to HF and got another... The fūcker burnt up on me (as in caught on fire) the first time I used it. So yeah I really hesitate to buy anything but consumables and basic hand tools there.
I also had a lightly used Craftsman hand grinder burn up on me prematurely and being disgruntled I figured why waste money in it so I went to HF and got another... The fūcker burnt up on me (as in caught on fire) the first time I used it. So yeah I really hesitate to buy anything but consumables and basic hand tools there.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Rogue River, Oregon
I actually like the HF place we have locally. The people there are friendly and helpful and as long as you are realistic about what to buy there, I've never been really sorry. I have a sawzall I got for $20 about 8 years ago and it still does fine. Of course, if I used it everyday, I wouldn't have bought it at HF! I also recently bought a borescope there for $70 and I had a 15% off coupon (they hand them out at the door) and I see basically the same thing sold on ebay for $90 plus shipping. I also bought a solar battery charger there a few years back for my toy hauler and when it didn't work, I took it back and got my money back, with no hassles at all. Yes I know what it is and where it comes from, but I need to watch every dollar as do most of us. The way I see it, I'm supporting the local salespeople who seem to be happy to work there, and that's a LOT more than I can say about the guys working the tool department at Sears! You better know exactly what you need there, because you sure won't get any help or advice from them!
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Harbor Freight is like any other company now-a-days, quality is a crap shoot, simply going by cost is no longer an indicator of quality. I used to by Sears lawn mowers, but no more. Husqvarna gets my business now. Briggs & Stratton used to be a good name in quality, that went out the door, as did Homelite.
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